Couple of questions
Discussion
Hi all,
I had my first test drive in an mx5 at the weekend, and I'm hooked, so I'm hunting for the right car at the moment. I do however have a few questions that I hope you can answer.
1.6 vs 1.8 how much difference does the 1.8 make, it is obviously a heavier block, but it does have more grunt. Most of my driving is local roads, thought I would like to get it on a track at some point, essp as I live about 15 min from goodwood.
5 vs 6 speed and LSD the 6 speed box and LSD seem to only be available on the 1.8 sport and special editions, are they worth it?
I'm really after leather and a/c though struggling to find a/c 2002 or newer. There seem to be a lot of these out there, but very few in the colour etc. that I want. My budget is about 6-7k am I right in thinking that that should get me about a 2002 mk2.5 with 40k miles on it?
Just can't wait to get my hands on one, so much better than my current clio, what a revelation!
Edit: I'm getting more and more confused! is it worth considering a mk1 and then getting work done to sort it as opposed to a newer mk2.5
I had my first test drive in an mx5 at the weekend, and I'm hooked, so I'm hunting for the right car at the moment. I do however have a few questions that I hope you can answer.
1.6 vs 1.8 how much difference does the 1.8 make, it is obviously a heavier block, but it does have more grunt. Most of my driving is local roads, thought I would like to get it on a track at some point, essp as I live about 15 min from goodwood.
5 vs 6 speed and LSD the 6 speed box and LSD seem to only be available on the 1.8 sport and special editions, are they worth it?
I'm really after leather and a/c though struggling to find a/c 2002 or newer. There seem to be a lot of these out there, but very few in the colour etc. that I want. My budget is about 6-7k am I right in thinking that that should get me about a 2002 mk2.5 with 40k miles on it?
Just can't wait to get my hands on one, so much better than my current clio, what a revelation!
Edit: I'm getting more and more confused! is it worth considering a mk1 and then getting work done to sort it as opposed to a newer mk2.5
Edited by Althalus on Monday 7th January 09:59
1.6 vs 1.8 how much difference does the 1.8 make, it is obviously a heavier block, but it does have more grunt. Most of my driving is local roads, thought I would like to get it on a track at some point, essp as I live about 15 min from goodwood.
Most people that I've spoken to recommend the 1.8, as it does offer an extra 36bhp in Mk2.5 guise. I've had a 1.6 and a 1.8 however, and you can still have fun in the 1.6, just not as fast.
My budget is about 6-7k am I right in thinking that that should get me about a 2002 mk2.5 with 40k miles on it?
You're about right on the money there, yep. I recently saw a nice 2002 1.8 Sport (top model) for £7k, although I think it had a tad more mileage.
Edit: I'm getting more and more confused! is it worth considering a mk1 and then getting work done to sort it as opposed to a newer mk2.5
How do you mean? I personally prefer the Mk2 and Mk2.5 as I'm not keen on pop up headlights, but if you mean for a better drive, apparently the Mk1 delivers a more raw and involving driving experience. Though I can't say the Mk2 is exactly a 'bad' drive!
Btw, if you're looking at a Mk2.5, either make sure the clutch has been changed, or that you budget for a new one, due to clutch judder (common problem).
Most people that I've spoken to recommend the 1.8, as it does offer an extra 36bhp in Mk2.5 guise. I've had a 1.6 and a 1.8 however, and you can still have fun in the 1.6, just not as fast.
My budget is about 6-7k am I right in thinking that that should get me about a 2002 mk2.5 with 40k miles on it?
You're about right on the money there, yep. I recently saw a nice 2002 1.8 Sport (top model) for £7k, although I think it had a tad more mileage.
Edit: I'm getting more and more confused! is it worth considering a mk1 and then getting work done to sort it as opposed to a newer mk2.5
How do you mean? I personally prefer the Mk2 and Mk2.5 as I'm not keen on pop up headlights, but if you mean for a better drive, apparently the Mk1 delivers a more raw and involving driving experience. Though I can't say the Mk2 is exactly a 'bad' drive!
Btw, if you're looking at a Mk2.5, either make sure the clutch has been changed, or that you budget for a new one, due to clutch judder (common problem).
I think I prefer the look of the mk2. There is a 2002 sport 1.8 with 40k miles from a main dealer for 7k that I thought looked nice, not the colour I would have picked, this one is silver, but I think the rest of the car made up for that.
Thanks for the heads up on the clutch issue, anything else to look out for on the 2.5 sport?
With regard to to mk1 one, was just reading through back posts about what people have brought, seems it's horses for courses, think it is a mk2.5 for me.
Thanks for the heads up on the clutch issue, anything else to look out for on the 2.5 sport?
With regard to to mk1 one, was just reading through back posts about what people have brought, seems it's horses for courses, think it is a mk2.5 for me.
Edited by Althalus on Monday 7th January 10:29
Ok, anyone have views on 5 vs 6 speed? As the special editions seem to have LSD and 5 speed, all of the sports have 6 speed, is the six better for track and motorway cruising(more economical), or is there not much in it?
I have found two cars, both hpi clear, 1st is from an independent (non mazda) dealer a 2004, Euphonic with 40k miles, 5 speed, 1.8, LSD, Full Mazda service history.
The other is a 2002 1.8 sport 42k miles, 6speed, LSD, FSH 1 year mazda warranty, new service and mot.
Both are the same price even the same colour, so not much in it really, 6-speed box and a warranty vs 2 year younger car!
Thanks for the help
I have found two cars, both hpi clear, 1st is from an independent (non mazda) dealer a 2004, Euphonic with 40k miles, 5 speed, 1.8, LSD, Full Mazda service history.
The other is a 2002 1.8 sport 42k miles, 6speed, LSD, FSH 1 year mazda warranty, new service and mot.
Both are the same price even the same colour, so not much in it really, 6-speed box and a warranty vs 2 year younger car!
Thanks for the help
5 vs 6 speed - good question.
My Mk1 was a 5-speed and that had a beautiful gear-change. Very positive so I was always very confident with the gear-changes and I always knew what gear I was in.
My current Mk2.5 has a 6-speed and while the gear-change itself is pretty much as good as the 5-speed it isn't quite as positive and it's easy to get "lost", especially on the track.
I'd say, if you are going to keep it stock then a 6-speed is fine but if you want to turbo or supercharge it then a 5-speed is just as good if not better.
The 6-speed on the Mk2.5 does have the advantage of a higher final drive ratio though (theoretical maximum speed, if you had the power is about 160mph compared to about 135mph on the 5-speed) and that does make it much more relaxed on the motorway.
My Mk1 was a 5-speed and that had a beautiful gear-change. Very positive so I was always very confident with the gear-changes and I always knew what gear I was in.
My current Mk2.5 has a 6-speed and while the gear-change itself is pretty much as good as the 5-speed it isn't quite as positive and it's easy to get "lost", especially on the track.
I'd say, if you are going to keep it stock then a 6-speed is fine but if you want to turbo or supercharge it then a 5-speed is just as good if not better.
The 6-speed on the Mk2.5 does have the advantage of a higher final drive ratio though (theoretical maximum speed, if you had the power is about 160mph compared to about 135mph on the 5-speed) and that does make it much more relaxed on the motorway.
Those cars are about right.
The reason for the euphonic being 2 years newer, but being similarly priced is... It's a Euphonic.
Wierd eh?
The Eurphonic is the best buy, that's a definite. It has a beautiful interior, lovely wheels, and some really nice colours (Velocity Red, Erm... That grey colour.. and black)
The only thing it's missing is foglights and a 6 box.
When I was looking at spending 8k on one, it was a toss up between an older Sport or a newer Euphonic. The Euphonic won it for me, definitely.
The reason for the euphonic being 2 years newer, but being similarly priced is... It's a Euphonic.
Wierd eh?
The Eurphonic is the best buy, that's a definite. It has a beautiful interior, lovely wheels, and some really nice colours (Velocity Red, Erm... That grey colour.. and black)
The only thing it's missing is foglights and a 6 box.
When I was looking at spending 8k on one, it was a toss up between an older Sport or a newer Euphonic. The Euphonic won it for me, definitely.
Thanks guys, going to go and see the euphonic on Sat morning, and trying a six speed during the week to see which I prefer, it's too far to travel until the weekend. Unless anyone else fancies taking a peak at a euphonic in South London 
The trouble with both these cars imho is that they are sunlight silver, I know colour is a silly thing to be fussed about, but I prefer the darker colours. But then they are both in budget and there is nothing else priced close for the specs! Next closest is a pheonix with 70k on the clock.
The trouble with both these cars imho is that they are sunlight silver, I know colour is a silly thing to be fussed about, but I prefer the darker colours. But then they are both in budget and there is nothing else priced close for the specs! Next closest is a pheonix with 70k on the clock.
It is a bit cheaper than that now, if it is the same car then it is near croydon hoping that it is still there at the weekend, they don't seem to sell that fast at this time of year.
Did you go and see the car? if so what did you think of it and what made you pick a different car!
I'm going to try and go and look at another euphonic on Friday from a main dealer just to get a feel for the condition to expect and see one in the flesh.
Don't suppose you have any nice pics of your car that I can drool over, lol! Can't wait to get one now.
hoping that it is still there at the weekend, they don't seem to sell that fast at this time of year.Did you go and see the car? if so what did you think of it and what made you pick a different car!
I'm going to try and go and look at another euphonic on Friday from a main dealer just to get a feel for the condition to expect and see one in the flesh.
Don't suppose you have any nice pics of your car that I can drool over, lol! Can't wait to get one now.
I ended up going for an older MX5 in the end, as I just couldn't be bothered to get a loan out for a newer one.
I went for a 2000 1.8 in the end.
I didn't do and see that Euphonic, as before I went to see any, I decided not to bother spending that much on another MX5. It was around 40k on the clock though, the one I looked at.
I would definitely go and check one out at a dealer and try to remember how it drove, before going to look at one. I did that with my Megane Coupe, though the dealer wasnt very happy with me (I did save about 3k on forecourt price buying privately though!)
I went for a 2000 1.8 in the end.
I didn't do and see that Euphonic, as before I went to see any, I decided not to bother spending that much on another MX5. It was around 40k on the clock though, the one I looked at.
I would definitely go and check one out at a dealer and try to remember how it drove, before going to look at one. I did that with my Megane Coupe, though the dealer wasnt very happy with me
(I did save about 3k on forecourt price buying privately though!)Thanks pulse
I have to say I debated if getting such a new one is worth it or if a mk1 or 2 is actually going to be better value for me.. would save me running short of cash and give me more to play with.
I have already driven an angels special ed. at a dealer, just thought it would be worth having a look and a test of a euphonic as well! not that fussed if I upset them...
I have to say I debated if getting such a new one is worth it or if a mk1 or 2 is actually going to be better value for me.. would save me running short of cash and give me more to play with.
I have already driven an angels special ed. at a dealer, just thought it would be worth having a look and a test of a euphonic as well! not that fussed if I upset them...
No, I wouldn't be too fussed either, to be honest, as if they're any good, they'll get your business in after sales anyway.
With the reliability of the MX5, you wouldn't be that bad off getting a Mk1/2. Obviously with some, you lose out on the specification though, as there are a plethora of Mk2.5s with heated leathers, and all the other stuff you'd probably really like.
I comprimised as I always change cars, so went for something cheaper, with the view to get something else in the next 6-12 months. This did mean that I didn't get the heated leather seats or 3 spoke leather steering wheel that I wanted though.
If you find one with low mileage, see if any work has been done recently, as with any car, it will perish due to lack of use, which is common with the MX5, as people buy them for sunny use. My car for example has just had £800 or so of work done on it due to them leaving it for so long (I didn't pay this bill - T'was done before I got it).
With the reliability of the MX5, you wouldn't be that bad off getting a Mk1/2. Obviously with some, you lose out on the specification though, as there are a plethora of Mk2.5s with heated leathers, and all the other stuff you'd probably really like.
I comprimised as I always change cars, so went for something cheaper, with the view to get something else in the next 6-12 months. This did mean that I didn't get the heated leather seats or 3 spoke leather steering wheel that I wanted though.
If you find one with low mileage, see if any work has been done recently, as with any car, it will perish due to lack of use, which is common with the MX5, as people buy them for sunny use. My car for example has just had £800 or so of work done on it due to them leaving it for so long (I didn't pay this bill - T'was done before I got it).
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